"We are the only country in history that ever deliberately changed its ethnic makeup, and history has few examples of 'diversity' creating a stable society." - Richard Lamm, former governor of Colorado

Thursday, September 21, 2006

The African-American Day Parade in Harlem was marred by violence as gunfire erupted at several locations, leaving three people wounded

Cops and paramedics responded to several shootings along Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., which was packed with onlookers from 111th to 142nd Sts.

The first shooting came as the parade was wrapping up at7:40 p.m., when cops got reports of a man, between 135th and 136th Sts., hit in the torso. The victim ran for help but ended up collapsing in front of Harlem Hospital at 135th St. and Lenox Ave., police said. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, officials added.

At 8:50 p.m., a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old man where shot just off the parade route at 131st St. and Eighth Ave., officials said. Police said the older victim was hit in the shoulder, and the teen was grazed in the face.

"You had dozens of kids out here, and we were trying to do something nice and positive, and then you have to worry about some knuckleheads with guns," said a 63-year-old witness named Charles, who heard the gunfire and ducked. "It's not right."

Hundreds of cops were called in to quell the violence, but the mayhem lingered, witnesses said. At 125th St. and St. Nicholas Ave., cops were spotted with their guns drawn as shots rang out and bystanders scrambled for cover.

"I heard two shots. The police were standing right where I was, so I thought it was a safe haven," said a 52-year-old woman, who requested anonymity.